Biography

Scottish musician, singer and songwriter, who was the main force behind the group "Dire Straits." The group’s debut album in 1978, featuring hits like "Sultans of Swing," established them as an international success, and by the mid-1980s, their "Brothers In Arms" album was one of the best-selling albums of all time.

The son of an architect, Knopfler was born in Scotland. When he was seven, his family moved to England where he attended Gosforth Grammar School. Musically inspired by an uncle, he had his heart set on an expensive flamingo-pink Fender Strat guitar, but had to settle for the less expensive Hofner Super Solid. Guitar in hand, he spent his school days playing with various bands, and at 16, appeared on local television in a duo with a school friend. Exhibiting an aptitude for English, he attended Harlow Technical College in 1967, to study journalism, and soon obtained a job in Leeds as a junior reporter and rock critic for the Yorkshire Evening Post. Two years later, he went back to school at Leeds University to obtain a degree in English. While attending college, he worked as a reporter, and played in a duo called "The Dualin' String Pickers." His first record, "Summer’s Coming My Way," was recorded soon thereafter.

Knopfler graduated in 1973 and headed to London in an attempt to break into the rock scene. His time there was spent refining his musical style while playing in various bands, but the arrival of his younger brother David, born 12/27/1952 in Glasgow, laid the foundation for the group Dire Straits, formed in 1977. The heartfelt simplicity of their music, with Knopfler’s gruff vocalizations, was fresh and timely, and fans constantly tell him that his music has changed their lives. Very shy and intensely private by nature, he is easily embarrassed by such praise and some call him "the quiet man of rock ’n’ roll."

After disbanding Dire Straits in 1995, Knopfler embarked on a solo career with the release of his "Golden Heart" album in 1996. He wrote the soundtracks for feature films like 1987’s "Princess Bride" and wrote hits like Tina Turner’s "Private Dancer." In the fall of 2000, he released "Sailing to Philadelphia."

As both a solo act and a member of Dire Straits, Knopfler devoted a great deal of time to charity work. Dire Straits performed at the 1985 Live Aid Concert and at Sir George Martin’s Music for Montserrat Concert, as well as other benefits.

He has been married three times. His twin sons, Benji and Joseph, were born in 1987 from his second marriage. His third wife is Kitty Aldridge, and they have one daughter, Isabella, born in 1998. A family man by nature, he loves to spend time with his wife and daughter.

On March 17, 2003, Mark was treated for a broken collarbone and six broken ribs at a London hopsital after his motorcycle collided with a car. The Dire Straits frontman had to cancel a March 25 benefit performance with Eric Clapton.